DOHA: Australia tackle Lionel Messi’s Argentina in a David v Goliath World Cup showdown whilst the United States glance to ambush the Netherlands because the World Cup knockout rounds get below approach on Saturday.
After a gaggle level stuffed with twists and turns, the industry finish of the event kicks off with 16 groups dreaming of plotting a trail to the general in Doha on December 18.
The USA and the Netherlands open the second one spherical on the Khalifa Stadium on Saturday, with the Americans aiming to advance to the quarter-finals for the primary time since 2002.
Coach Gregg Berhalter’s USA squad booked their spot within the remaining 16 with a 1-0 win over Iran to protected 2nd position in Group B at the back of England.
While the Dutch possess the higher historic pedigree, attaining 3 earlier World Cup finals, the US head into the knockout rounds brimming with self assurance.
“It’s a great opportunity, but it’s not something that we’re going into it thinking it’s an honor,” Berhalter mentioned.
“We deserve to be in the position we’re in.”
The US face a Dutch group who completed first in Group A forward of Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar with out truly appearing their very best shape.
The Netherlands’ veteran trainer Louis van Gaal is cautious of the risk posed via the full of life Americans, describing Berhalter’s group as probably the most very best within the event.
“They have an excellent team, I would say even one of the best teams,” mentioned Van Gaal.
“It’ll be a tough match but it’s nothing we can’t overcome. We also have a good team.
“But I’m now not going to downplay the US. I believe they are an instance of what a excellent group is.”
In Saturday’s other knockout game, South American giants Argentina face an Australia side who confounded all expectations by getting out of a Group D that included defending champions France, Denmark and Tunisia.
However Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is not ready to take anything for granted having already seen his team suffer a shock loss to Saudi Arabia earlier in the tournament.
“Whether or now not they’re not as good as us continues to be noticed. I do not agree that they’re. This is soccer — 11 in opposition to 11,” Scaloni said.
“Forget who’s theoretically favorites and let’s play soccer.”
Australia coach Arnold Graham meanwhile said he expects the Socceroos to raise their game once more against the star-studded Argentines.
“I simply suppose that Argentina convey the most efficient out of Australia. Our performances each time in opposition to Argentina were very robust and excellent,” Arnold said.
“Playing in opposition to that form of skill, and that title I believe resonates proper the world over — it is a soccer country and it’s inspiring to play in opposition to them.”
The group phase ended in dramatic fashion on Friday when South Korea reached the knockout phase with an injury-time winning goal against Portugal to set up a meeting with mighty Brazil.
With the clock ticking down at Education City Stadium, the Koreans knew they needed one more goal against Portugal to leapfrog group rivals Uruguay, who were facing Ghana.
Tottenham forward Son Heung-min produced a brilliant assist for Hwang Hee-chan to score the goal that secured a 2–1 victory.
The Korean players then watched the final minutes of Uruguay’s match on a mobile phone as they waited for their place in the last 16 to be confirmed.
Uruguay, leading 2-0 against the Africans, needed one more goal to go through but fell agonizingly short despite piling on the pressure, crashing out by virtue of goals scored.
Korea’s Tottenham forward Son said he was crying “tears of happiness”.
“There have been moments once I wasn’t ready to do my very best and I’m grateful for my team-mates that they have been ready to hide me within the moments I wasn’t ready to meet my tasks. I’m very pleased with them .”
Uruguay veteran Luis Suarez in contrast sobbed in disappointment after the South Americans were eliminated.
Switzerland edged a bad-tempered encounter with Serbia to progress, winning 3-2 to earn a meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
Remo Freuler smashed a half-volley into the net for the 48th-minute winner.
Tempers flared in the second half after Serbia appealed for a penalty, with the stadium announcer calling for an end to “all discriminatory chants and gestures” around 15 minutes later.
“I will be able to’t inform you the explanation why and what took place precisely,” said Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic.
“Sometimes the tensions come and a few perhaps unhealthy phrases can create some uncomfortable behaviour, however it is not anything particular. It’s commonplace, let’s assume, for this type of recreation.”
Brazil received Group G regardless of losing 9 avid gamers from their beginning lineup and dropping 1-0 to Cameroon with Vincent Aboubakar heading in a stoppage-time winner to say a memorable win that would now not save you the African facet being eradicated.
After a gaggle level stuffed with twists and turns, the industry finish of the event kicks off with 16 groups dreaming of plotting a trail to the general in Doha on December 18.
The USA and the Netherlands open the second one spherical on the Khalifa Stadium on Saturday, with the Americans aiming to advance to the quarter-finals for the primary time since 2002.
Coach Gregg Berhalter’s USA squad booked their spot within the remaining 16 with a 1-0 win over Iran to protected 2nd position in Group B at the back of England.
While the Dutch possess the higher historic pedigree, attaining 3 earlier World Cup finals, the US head into the knockout rounds brimming with self assurance.
“It’s a great opportunity, but it’s not something that we’re going into it thinking it’s an honor,” Berhalter mentioned.
“We deserve to be in the position we’re in.”
The US face a Dutch group who completed first in Group A forward of Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar with out truly appearing their very best shape.
The Netherlands’ veteran trainer Louis van Gaal is cautious of the risk posed via the full of life Americans, describing Berhalter’s group as probably the most very best within the event.
“They have an excellent team, I would say even one of the best teams,” mentioned Van Gaal.
“It’ll be a tough match but it’s nothing we can’t overcome. We also have a good team.
“But I’m now not going to downplay the US. I believe they are an instance of what a excellent group is.”
In Saturday’s other knockout game, South American giants Argentina face an Australia side who confounded all expectations by getting out of a Group D that included defending champions France, Denmark and Tunisia.
However Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is not ready to take anything for granted having already seen his team suffer a shock loss to Saudi Arabia earlier in the tournament.
“Whether or now not they’re not as good as us continues to be noticed. I do not agree that they’re. This is soccer — 11 in opposition to 11,” Scaloni said.
“Forget who’s theoretically favorites and let’s play soccer.”
Australia coach Arnold Graham meanwhile said he expects the Socceroos to raise their game once more against the star-studded Argentines.
“I simply suppose that Argentina convey the most efficient out of Australia. Our performances each time in opposition to Argentina were very robust and excellent,” Arnold said.
“Playing in opposition to that form of skill, and that title I believe resonates proper the world over — it is a soccer country and it’s inspiring to play in opposition to them.”
The group phase ended in dramatic fashion on Friday when South Korea reached the knockout phase with an injury-time winning goal against Portugal to set up a meeting with mighty Brazil.
With the clock ticking down at Education City Stadium, the Koreans knew they needed one more goal against Portugal to leapfrog group rivals Uruguay, who were facing Ghana.
Tottenham forward Son Heung-min produced a brilliant assist for Hwang Hee-chan to score the goal that secured a 2–1 victory.
The Korean players then watched the final minutes of Uruguay’s match on a mobile phone as they waited for their place in the last 16 to be confirmed.
Uruguay, leading 2-0 against the Africans, needed one more goal to go through but fell agonizingly short despite piling on the pressure, crashing out by virtue of goals scored.
Korea’s Tottenham forward Son said he was crying “tears of happiness”.
“There have been moments once I wasn’t ready to do my very best and I’m grateful for my team-mates that they have been ready to hide me within the moments I wasn’t ready to meet my tasks. I’m very pleased with them .”
Uruguay veteran Luis Suarez in contrast sobbed in disappointment after the South Americans were eliminated.
Switzerland edged a bad-tempered encounter with Serbia to progress, winning 3-2 to earn a meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
Remo Freuler smashed a half-volley into the net for the 48th-minute winner.
Tempers flared in the second half after Serbia appealed for a penalty, with the stadium announcer calling for an end to “all discriminatory chants and gestures” around 15 minutes later.
“I will be able to’t inform you the explanation why and what took place precisely,” said Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic.
“Sometimes the tensions come and a few perhaps unhealthy phrases can create some uncomfortable behaviour, however it is not anything particular. It’s commonplace, let’s assume, for this type of recreation.”
Brazil received Group G regardless of losing 9 avid gamers from their beginning lineup and dropping 1-0 to Cameroon with Vincent Aboubakar heading in a stoppage-time winner to say a memorable win that would now not save you the African facet being eradicated.